The Bradford Sensory Room for SEND children has been launched at the church

A £30,000 sensory room for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is to open at a Bradford church.

The facility, which would also benefit young people fleeing domestic and sexual abuse, was launched by former Leeds United footballer Leigh Bromby and Harrogate Town captain Josh Falkingham.

The hall, at LIFE Church on Wapping Road, aimed to help improve children’s communication, speech and language skills and was funded by the KidsOut charity.

A KidsOut spokesman said the camera would have “a wonderful effect on hundreds of children in Bradford”.

The interactive space featured colored lights, projections and bubble tubes and will help children “find a calm space”, said the charity’s chief executive Sara Williams.

“In this room we can take the kids to the beach and teach them how to cross the road,” she said.

“Bradford has some of the most disadvantaged children in the UK – whether they are from poverty, disability, illness or a victim of crime – and we want to make sure our facilities are used by as many children in need as possible. as much as possible.”

The sensory room would also be available to children who lived in shelters or safe houses.

Rob Hutcheson, managing director of LIFE Church Bradford, said he “can’t wait for the room to officially open”.

“Many local families face complex needs and challenges every day,” he said.

“We have started conversations with our local community partners who are helping to identify families who will benefit most from the installation and who often cannot access this type of provision.”

The KidsOut charity, which has been providing “positive experiences and creates happy memories” for vulnerable and disadvantaged children, has funded 23 sensory rooms across the country.